Journal of Biological Chemistry

June 29, 2018

Scavengers “protect” HDL

Jun. 29, 2018—Lipid molecules that bind to HDL can modify its function — and blocking that modification can protect HDL and potentially lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

By Bill Snyder
Clostridium difficile bacterium, 3D illustration
January 26, 2018

Versatile C. difficile blocker

New research reveals a unique mechanism of C. difficile toxin neutralization by a monoclonal antibody, suggesting new therapeutic approaches.

By Bill Snyder
eye
January 25, 2018

A cataract-heart connection

Studies of alpha-B crystallin in zebrafish could ultimately lead to improved treatment for cataracts and heart disease.

By Meredith Jackson
January 16, 2018

A spicy finding

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that curcumin — the active ingredient in the spice turmeric — needs to be metabolically activated to exert anti-inflammatory effects.

By Leigh MacMillan
December 19, 2017

Forming memories through CaMKII

Vanderbilt researchers have identified an interaction between two proteins that play a role in learning and memory.

By Sanjay Mishra
December 5, 2017

DNA damage repair: molecular insights

Structural details about a protein involved in the repair of damaged DNA provide insight into xeroderma pigmentosum disorders, which are characterized by increased risk for skin cancer.

By VUMC News and Communications
July 25, 2017

Altered metabolism and disease

Vanderbilt researchers report a structure of a human metabolic enzyme bound to its substrate 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 3, 2017

Fighting fungal infections

A detailed structural and functional analysis of the yeast protein that is the main target of antifungal drugs will help direct efforts to develop better treatments.
By Leigh MacMillan
December 9, 2016

Protecting the blood-brain barrier

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered how a promising cancer immunotherapy causes brain swelling, findings that could lead to ways to protect brain function while fighting cancers.
By Sanjay Mishra
November 23, 2016

Reducing antidepressants’ side effects

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered how antidepressant medicines that block serotonin uptake can increase bleeding risk.
By VUMC News and Communications
November 21, 2016

Building the basement membrane

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered steps in the regulation of a key enzyme that builds the basement membrane, a structure that undergirds nearly all animal tissues.
By Bill Snyder
April 20, 2016

How strep grabs on to platelets

New structural details of the binding of the bacterium Streptococcus sanguinis to platelets may offer new therapeutics for life-threatening cardiovascular infections.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 15, 2016

Mechanism of a DNA repair protein

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered details about the mechanism of an important DNA repair protein that maintains genome stability.
By Sanjay Mishra